Chinese Students in Iowa

Posted on Monday, December 26th, 2011 at 8:00 am

John Wayne, corn and a growing number of Chinese international students; what do these three things have in common? They all have ties to Iowa. Iowa has not been left out of states with a rising number of Chinese students in the US. The growing number of undergraduate Chinese students in Iowa lead to an enrollment increased of 1,700 percent at University of Iowa and 657 percent at Iowa State University over the past five years according to The Gazette in Cedar Rapids.

The trend has become so popular that Chinadaily.com.cn reached out to these Chinese individuals in one article last month to offer them tips on applying to American Universities. Although studying in Iowa was not among their suggestions, studying in California was. Other tips include looking into applying at state universities and smaller colleges and taking standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT, even when the tests are not required to apply.

How have universities adjusted to this increase in undergraduate Chinese students in Iowa? A few of Iowa’s schools are increasing staff in areas affected by this growth such as advisers, counselors and other individuals to assist with orientation and language programs.

With the growing number of Chinese students in Iowa who speak English as a second language, ISU has buckled down to ensure their English proficiency tests are working for the students as much as possible. Instead of a test that allows for memorization and an easy pass, ISU now has a test with both writing and speaking sections to ensure students actually have the level of English that is reflected in their test results so they will receive a proper placement.

Chinese students in Iowa and other locations around the US will more than likely be in need of health insurance during their studies. The Student Secure plan offers international student health insurance to those who are studying outside their home country. If you would like more information regarding this plan please feel free to contact one of our licensed agents.

Posted by Bryanna Davis

Bryanna joined International Student Insurance in 2011 after returning to the United States from teaching English in China. Her interest in international education, sparked initially by her own study abroad experience in Wales, led her to the company. Bryanna is originally from Missouri and is a graduate from the University of Central Missouri.